Sales Tax in Nova Scotia (2026)
Nova Scotia is a harmonized province: instead of separate GST and PST, it applies one Harmonized Sales Tax. On April 1, 2025 the provincial portion fell from 10% to 9%, bringing the combined HST from 15% to 14%. Nova Scotia is now the only Atlantic province below 15%, so if you invoice clients in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador or PEI, remember those remain at 15%.
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) | 14% |
What's Taxed and What's Exempt
Nova Scotia HST follows the federal GST exemption and zero-rating rules: basic groceries, prescription drugs and many medical devices are zero-rated, and residential rent and most healthcare services are exempt. Transitional rules decide which rate applies to a transaction that straddled April 1, 2025: generally, HST that became payable before that date stayed at 15%.
How to Calculate NS Sales Tax
Total = Amount + HST
CA$1,000 × 0.14 = CA$140 HST. Total = CA$1,140Example — 14% on a CA$1,000 invoice
- Amount before tax: CA$1,000.00
- HST 14% = CA$140.00
- Total = CA$1,140.00
Reverse Calculation (Tax-Included Price)
If a price already includes tax and you need the pre-tax amount:
CA$1,140 ÷ 1.14 = CA$1,000 before taxInvoice Requirements in Nova Scotia
A Nova Scotia invoice for CA$100 or more should show your GST/HST registration number, the pre-tax amount, HST at 14% as a single line, and the total. If you reuse an invoice template from before April 2025, update the rate: charging 15% after the change means over-collecting tax that you would have to refund or remit.
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What is the sales tax rate in Nova Scotia? +
Nova Scotia charges a single 14% HST (5% federal GST plus 9% provincial). The rate was 15% until March 31, 2025.
How do I calculate sales tax on CA$1,000 in Nova Scotia? +
On CA$1,000: HST is 1000 x 0.14 = CA$140, so the total is CA$1,140.
How do I remove tax from a tax-included price? +
Divide the tax-included total by 1.14. For example, CA$1,140 / 1.14 = CA$1,000 before tax.